How long does it take to replace the antifreeze?
4 Answers
Replacing the antifreeze in a car usually takes about half an hour. How to choose antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are the freezing point and boiling point. On the market, antifreeze comes in several specifications with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. The role of antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion all year round.
I just changed the antifreeze the other day, and the whole process took about 40 minutes, which is pretty standard. But if you're doing it yourself, you'll need to factor in time for tool preparation—it's best to set aside a weekend for a leisurely job. Antifreeze, also called coolant, prevents the engine from freezing in winter or overheating in summer. Before changing it, make sure the car is completely cooled down, or you risk getting sprayed with scalding liquid. Draining the old fluid is the most time-consuming part: loosen the drain plug and let the old fluid flow into a bucket—don't pour it directly on the ground; dispose of it properly. When adding new fluid, choosing the right brand and color is crucial, as mixing the wrong type can damage the car. Finally, start the engine to check that the temperature and fluid levels stabilize, and you're done. Generally, it's recommended to change it every two to three years—it saves money and ensures safety. Several factors can affect the time: older cars might have tricky hoses, while smaller cars are quicker; if you flush the system as well, it could take over an hour.
Changing antifreeze usually takes about 30 minutes, which was exactly my pace last time I did it myself. As a young person, I enjoy DIY to save money—I first watched an online tutorial to learn the steps. The process is straightforward: turn off the engine and let it cool completely, locate the expansion tank in the engine bay, and unscrew the cap to drain the old fluid—take your time to ensure thorough drainage. After that, add new antifreeze, making sure not to mix different brands; just match the color. This step takes the most time: beginners might make mistakes and slow things down, while experienced hands breeze through. Basic tool kits are sufficient and won’t cost much. Antifreeze maintains the cooling system—failing to replace old fluid can corrode components. It’s wise to test the concentration of both old and new fluid to avoid wasting resources. Overall, it depends on the vehicle: compact cars are quicker, while SUVs or trucks take a bit longer. Never rush the job—safety comes first.
It usually takes me about 20 minutes to change the coolant, but that's professional speed at a repair shop. If you do it yourself, it might be slightly slower as safety comes first. Coolant regulates engine temperature, and delaying its replacement may lead to cooling system issues. The process is straightforward: wait for the engine to cool down, drain the old coolant, and refill with new fluid. Time varies by vehicle: shorter for compact cars, longer for larger vehicles. During maintenance, always check the system for leaks first to avoid wasted effort. Replacing it every two years keeps things worry-free.
